catheter-teaching-guide
Procedures
Instructed in the importance of exercise. This avoids phlebitis, decubitus ulcer, pneumonia, fractures, depression, urinary complications, muscle weakness and atrophy and constipation.
Instructed patient and caregiver about the procedures followed in the case of a hurricane. Should such event occur the Home Health Agency will be on call assisting any patient who has an emergency. Keep Agency phone number at hand.
Instructed patient that during a hurricane she should not be alone. Patient should go to a relative, family member or friend house until it is safe to return to her house. In the event that the patient has no family or friends she should go to the closest shelter for proper assistance.
SN put on non-sterile gloves. Remove old dressing. Remove gloves and place them in the trash bag, Wash hands and put on a clean pair of gloves. SN cleaned wound with NS solution using gauze pads, checked wound for signs of infection. Then opened new foam sponge dressing, cut it to size, and place it in the wound. Open the drape package. Cut the drape to the size needed. Place the drape over the wound site. Smooth the drape as you stick it around the wound to prevent any wrinkle that may leak. Connect the tubing to the sponge dressing and the tubing to the pump unit. Open the clamp on the tubing. Turn on the VAC pump. Listen and watch for leaks.
SN instructed patient/PCG on aspiration as the most common complication related to tube feeding. SN explained that this occurs when food is actually inhaled into the lungs (can lead to pneumonia), but if patient is kept upright during feeding, this complication can be greatly minimized.
SN instructed patient to eat foods at a regular time each day. Eating 4 to 6 smaller meals may help to promote a regular bowel pattern.
SN instructed patient to try eating the main dinner meal at noon and a smaller meal in the evening. This helps to reduce the stool output at night.
SN instructed patient to chew foods completely to help the digestive process. Especially avoid swallowing large pieces of leafy vegetables since they can block the stoma opening on the abdominal wall.
SN instructed patient to drink 2 to 3 quarts of water a day. This helps to keep the stool fluid, and it also prevents dehydration.
SN instructed patient to drink more water and fruit juices, up to six to eight glasses per day. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as fibrous foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals to prevent constipation.